Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami Cancelled? Lionel Messi’s Serious Injury Reportedly Forces David Beckham to Take Big Decision

The heart of the matter lies in the sudden disappearance of the Vissel Kobe matchup from Apple TV’s MLS schedule. A subtle yet significant alteration that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the eagle-eyed fans. A cloud of uncertainty looms over David Beckham’s Inter Miami as the much-anticipated clash against J-League’s Vissel Kobe faces the threat of cancellation.

Whispers of a more serious injury than initially reported surrounding Lionel Messi have thrown the Herons’ pre-season schedule into disarray. The Argentine star was also absent from the lineup against Hong Kong, suggesting that the issue is more critical of his fitness.

As reported by Favian Renkel, this sudden change hints at potential changes to Inter Miami’s pre-season tour. He wrote on X, “Changes may be coming to Inter Miami’s preseason worldwide tour, as the Vissel Kobe match has been completely removed from Apple TV’s MLS schedule, and during the Hong Kong broadcast, Newell’s Old Boys was referred to as the last match of Inter Miami’s preseason.”

The initial assurance of Lionel Messi’s involvement against Vissel Kobe now takes a sudden turn, as concerns of a more serious injury gain momentum. Favian added, “A possible reason for the alteration of the tour could be that Lionel Messi’s injury is more serious than Tata and the team have disclosed. We will see if any news emerges in the next few days.” 

During the Hong Kong friendly broadcast, it was displayed repeatedly that Inter Miami’s next fixture will be on 15th February against Newell’s Old Boys. The change in plans now points out that the Inter Miami squad will head back to the United States, abruptly ending their tour.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat

As the fans clamor for clarity on Lionel Messi’s condition, the question that looms: will the clash against Vissel Kobe proceed as planned? Only David Beckham & Co. knows.

David Beckham’s dilemma: Inter Miami navigates through unforeseen challenges

The potential cancellation of Vissel Kobe friendly presents a significant dilemma for Inter Miami. David Beckham aspires to make Messi-led Inter Miami a brand, promising marquee matchups and global exposure. Scrapping such high-profile friendly fixtures would undoubtedly be a setback for those aspirations.

Messi suffered a similar muscular issue towards the end of the 2023 regular season and the Argentine was forced to sit out four matches at a crucial point of the season. However, prioritizing Messi’s fitness and ensuring his swift recovery is the most crucial task for the Herons. Rushing him back could further complicate Inter Miami’s MLS season, a risk the club can’t afford. The MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake is just around the corner, and having Lionel Messi available for the clash remains a priority for the club.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Inter Miami as they navigate through the complexities of Messi’s injury. They will play Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys before their MLS season kick-off. Fans will be eagerly waiting to witness their star player return to action. Let us know your predictions about the Herons’ upcoming MLS season in the comments section!

READ MORE: Hong Kong Government Issues Statement Against Lionel Messi’s Absence After $15 Million Grant for Inter Miami Friendly